Beijing steps up South China Sea patrols, criticises the Philippines' joint operations

The Southern Theatre Command of China’s People's Liberation Army carried out routine patrol operations in the South China Sea from June 27 to 28, deploying both naval and air forces, spokesperson Zhai Shichen said.

According to Zhai, the Philippines has sought to heighten tensions in the South China Sea by involving countries from outside the region in what he described as joint patrol operations, a move he said undermines peace and stability in the area, Xinhua reports.

Zhai stressed that forces under the Southern Theatre Command will continue to firmly safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests, while maintaining peace and security in the region.

By Jeyhun Aghazada